Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.
  • Phuket NewsTourist beaten by ladyboys on Soi Bangla after dine-and-dash | Thaiger

    Tourist beaten by ladyboys on Soi Bangla after dine-and-dash

    A wild brawl erupted in the early hours of yesterday on Phuket’s infamous Bangla Road after a tourist allegedly skipped out on paying for his meal. The chaotic scene, which unfolded yesterday, March 12, in the heart of Patong, Kathu district, saw a group of local ladyboys, unhappy at the dine and dasher’s behaviour, confronted the man before the situation…

  • Thailand News400 baht minimum wage adjustment in Thailand still unconfirmed | Thaiger

    400 baht minimum wage adjustment in Thailand still unconfirmed

    Progress on the proposed nationwide 400 baht minimum wage adjustment remains uncertain, as confirmed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry. Boonsong stated that the matter is not on the current meeting agenda but assured efforts to meet the May 1 deadline set by the labour minister. The current wage board’s term will end today, March 13.…

  • Thailand NewsThai health initiative nears target with 18 million educated on carbs | Thaiger

    Thai health initiative nears target with 18 million educated on carbs

    The Ministry of Public Health announced that its initiative encouraging Thai citizens to monitor their carbohydrate intake has achieved notable success. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that over 18 million people have been educated on carbohydrate counting, nearing the project’s target of 20 million by March 20. With assistance from village health volunteers across the country, 445,791 individuals monitored…

  • Thailand NewsLabour Ministry under scrutiny for 7 billion baht office purchase | Thaiger

    Labour Ministry under scrutiny for 7 billion baht office purchase

    The Ministry of Labour confirmed its willingness to cooperate with a panel investigating claims that the Social Security Office (SSO) spent an excessive 7 billion baht on acquiring the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX Road, despite its appraised value being 3 billion baht. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring transparency throughout the investigation. He…

  • Phuket NewsDrug-fuelled taxi rage: Man arrested with gun and meth in Phuket | Thaiger

    Drug-fuelled taxi rage: Man arrested with gun and meth in Phuket

    A man was arrested after allegedly threatening a taxi driver with a pen gun near Mae Somchit Kata Fresh Market, only for police to discover he was also carrying crystal meth. The dramatic incident unfolded at 6pm on Monday, March 10, when Wichit Police received a report of a man menacing a taxi driver with a concealed weapon on Kata…

  • Krabi NewsI’ll be right back: Foreign tourist dines and dashes in Krabi | Thaiger

    I’ll be right back: Foreign tourist dines and dashes in Krabi

    A foreign tourist has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after dining and dashing at a Krabi restaurant, leaving staff and locals furious. The tall, tattooed man reportedly ordered a lavish meal, pretended to visit the restroom, and then vanished without paying. The incident occurred on March 9 at Into the Forest, a popular restaurant in Khao Thong subdistrict,…

  • Pattaya NewsIllegal foreign workers busted in Pattaya villa scam crackdown | Thaiger

    Illegal foreign workers busted in Pattaya villa scam crackdown

    Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested 25 foreign nationals working illegally at pool villa construction sites, exposing a growing network of illegal foreign-run property developments. The operation, led by Police Colonel Man Rotthong, targeted Chinese investors suspected of developing villa rentals that function as illegal hotels. Acting on a tip-off about 40 Chinese and Myanmar workers, officers raided four construction sites…

  • Phuket NewsLuxury v law: Phuket crackdown targets beachfront land grab | Thaiger

    Luxury v law: Phuket crackdown targets beachfront land grab

    Officials in Phuket are ramping up efforts to reclaim Bang Tao Beach from unauthorised developments, with high-end hotels and businesses facing potential demolition after illegally encroaching on public land. Yesterday, March 11, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket branch, led by Director Suwat Saowarun, launched their second crackdown on beachfront encroachments in Cherng Talay. Joined by Thalang District…

  • Thailand NewsUthai Thani housekeeper loses 12 lottery tickets, seeks public help | Thaiger

    Uthai Thani housekeeper loses 12 lottery tickets, seeks public help

    A housekeeper in Uthai Thani is desperately appealing for help after losing 12 lottery tickets, just a day after celebrating her birthday. What was meant to be a stroke of luck has turned into a nightmare, leaving her hoping for a miracle. Yesterday, March 11, 46 year old Vilairat Wichienrat, a resident of Khao Kwang Thong subdistrict, Nong Chang district,…

  • Pattaya NewsRent, steal, sell: Couple busted in Pattaya car theft scam | Thaiger

    Rent, steal, sell: Couple busted in Pattaya car theft scam

    A couple accused of running an elaborate car theft scam were arrested in Pattaya after allegedly renting vehicles, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them on the black market. The operation spanned multiple provinces, with victims reporting losses in Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. On March 9, Chon Buri Highway Police arrested 48 year old Thanakrit and 29 year old…

  • Bangkok NewsOpposition urged to revise censure motion excluding Thaksin | Thaiger

    Opposition urged to revise censure motion excluding Thaksin

    The opposition has until March 19 to revise its position and exclude any references to external parties to ensure the censure debate proceeds as planned on March 24, according to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The speaker’s remarks pertain to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is perceived as the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Wan…

  • Pattaya NewsJomtien Beach revamp nears completion, flooding fix underway | Thaiger

    Jomtien Beach revamp nears completion, flooding fix underway

    Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach transformation is well underway, with more than 80% of the project completed as the city works to tackle persistent flooding and modernise its landscape. Set for completion by the end of this year, the massive upgrade promises better drainage, improved footpaths, more parking, and enhanced lighting—a game-changer for residents and tourists alike. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently inspected…

  • Thailand NewsLottery hiss-teria in Songkhla as king cobra slithers into family car | Thaiger

    Lottery hiss-teria in Songkhla as king cobra slithers into family car

    A routine afternoon turned into a heart-stopping moment for a Songkhla family when a 3-metre-long king cobra slithered into a parked car’s engine, sending locals into a frenzy. While officials rushed to capture the venomous intruder, superstitious residents had their eyes on something else—the car’s registration number for the upcoming lottery draw. The dramatic encounter took place in Ban Khlong…

  • Pattaya NewsPuff and cuff: Pattaya Teen’s e-cigarette hustle goes up in smoke | Thaiger

    Puff and cuff: Pattaya Teen’s e-cigarette hustle goes up in smoke

    A 19 year old girl’s online side hustle took a dramatic turn when she was caught red-handed selling illegal e-cigarettes in a police sting operation in Pattaya. Bang Lamung district chief Patcharapath Sritanyanon ordered a Special Operations Unit to take down online sellers of illegal vapes. Police set up a sting after discovering the young suspect had been advertising e-cigarettes…

  • Thailand NewsFiery stir-fry chaos: Cook’s dish sets floating restaurant ablaze (video) | Thaiger

    Fiery stir-fry chaos: Cook’s dish sets floating restaurant ablaze (video)

    A peaceful riverside lunch turned into chaos when a fiery wok of stir-fried morning glory set a floating restaurant’s roof ablaze, sending panicked tourists scrambling for safety. The dramatic incident unfolded at 2.10pm yesterday, March 11, at a well-known floating restaurant on the Ping River in Wiang Nong Long district, Lamphun province. Crowds of tourists had gathered to enjoy the…

  • Thailand NewsFootballer injured in violent match seeks justice in Samut Prakan (video) | Thaiger

    Footballer injured in violent match seeks justice in Samut Prakan (video)

    A 38 year old football player filed a police report after a match turned violent, leading to a broken arm. He accused his opponent of intentionally targeting him rather than playing the game. The incident took place on March 9 at the Song Singh field in Samut Prakan’s Mueang district. Ritnarong provided a medical certificate and video footage as evidence…

  • Bangkok NewsFire sparks chaos at Bangkok hospital, patients evacuated | Thaiger

    Fire sparks chaos at Bangkok hospital, patients evacuated

    Chaos erupted at Bangkok’s Ramathibodi Hospital when a fire broke out on the second floor of the nine-storey medical facility, forcing a swift patient evacuation. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the blaze was reported at 7.20pm on Monday, March 10. Fire and rescue teams from Phaya Thai station arrived within two minutes, finding flames inside the hospital on…

  • Thailand NewsThai police unleash AI officers: Game changer or gimmick? | Thaiger

    Thai police unleash AI officers: Game changer or gimmick?

    The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is stepping into the future with AI-powered inquiry officers. In a groundbreaking move, Provincial Police Region 2 has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Amata Facility Services. The goal? To integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence into policing across eastern and northeastern Thailand. The partnership, announced on Monday,…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show? | Thaiger

    Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show?

    Pattaya residents are divided over the city’s latest traffic enforcement efforts, questioning whether the recent crackdown by traffic police is a genuine attempt to tackle congestion or just a temporary publicity stunt during major events like the Pattaya Music Festival. While some appreciate the increased police presence, others argue that enforcement is inconsistent, with officers only taking action when the…

  • Thailand NewsUdon Thani police recover 13 stolen motorcycles, lottery win follows | Thaiger

    Udon Thani police recover 13 stolen motorcycles, lottery win follows

    Police in Udon Thani successfully apprehended a motorcycle thief, recovering 13 stolen motorcycles. Among the owners, one woman expressed her joy by hugging her recovered vehicle, while another expressed gratitude by gifting 10,000 baht to the investigation team and winning the lottery using the vehicle’s registration number. On March 7, Police Major General Suwan Chiaonavinthawat, the Udon Thani Provincial Police…

  • Phuket NewsEXAT teams up with private firms for Phuket expressway by 2030 | Thaiger

    EXAT teams up with private firms for Phuket expressway by 2030

    The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is collaborating with private entities to invest in two Phuket expressways, spanning 34.6 kilometres, with a budget of 27 billion baht. The project is expected to be operational by 2030, with toll fees ranging from 15 to 125 baht. Surachet Laophulsuk, the governor of EXAT, announced the opening of an opinion hearing for private…

  • Thailand NewsVictims defrauded by fake Canada job scheme lose 12 million baht | Thaiger

    Victims defrauded by fake Canada job scheme lose 12 million baht

    A group of victims approached the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women in Lam Phak Kut subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, seeking assistance after being defrauded by a recruitment company. This company had promised them work opportunities in Canada, leading to financial losses of about 150,000 baht each, totaling over 12 million baht for the 86 affected. Natchanit, 40,…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown | Thaiger

    Pattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown

    Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on beachfront vendors during the Pattaya Music Festival aiming to clear footpaths for pedestrians and maintain order. However, the enforcement has sparked heated debate, with some supporting the move while others accuse officials of inconsistencies and unfair treatment. As festival-goers flock to the area, vendors have been forcibly removed from restricted zones, with…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway | Thaiger

    Phuket’s plan to end traffic chaos with AI and expressway

    Phuket’s notorious traffic congestion has long frustrated both locals and tourists, but a major two-part plan aims to finally solve the problem. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has unveiled ambitious strategies to transform the island’s traffic flow, including a new expressway and AI-powered traffic management—a first for Thailand. The Thai government has approved a long-awaited expressway project that will connect Muang Mai…

  • Phuket NewsForeigners rush to buy Phuket villas on long-term leases | Thaiger

    Foreigners rush to buy Phuket villas on long-term leases

    Thailand’s property market is witnessing a real estate revolution, as foreigners snap up houses on long-term leases instead of just condominiums. This trend, particularly in tourist hotspots like Phuket, Chon Buri, and Surat Thani, has been booming since Thailand reopened its borders in 2021. According to Dr Wichai Wiratkaphan, an independent scholar in urban development and housing, the leasehold market…

  • Bangkok NewsEndangered Bryde’s whale found dead off Samut Prakan coast | Thaiger

    Endangered Bryde’s whale found dead off Samut Prakan coast

    The remains of a giant Bryde’s whale have been discovered floating off the coast of Samut Prakan, sparking concerns over the threats faced by Thailand’s endangered marine life. Locals in Bang Pu, a coastal area near Bangkok, spotted the massive 8 to 9-metre-long whale carcass around 8.30am yesterday, March 7. The mature female, weighing approximately 8 tonnes, had been dead…

  • Pattaya NewsOcean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas | Thaiger

    Ocean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas

    Thailand’s Ocean Marina Jomtien has sailed into global recognition, securing the sixth spot in a prestigious ranking of the world’s top marinas by the South China Morning Post. Located near Pattaya, this stunning marina is Southeast Asia’s largest, boasting over 450 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 75 metres long. Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location have made it…

  • Thailand NewsCasino bill to require 50m baht bank balance for Thai entry | Thaiger

    Casino bill to require 50m baht bank balance for Thai entry

    The Entertainment Complex Bill, set for revision, is anticipated to be submitted for Cabinet approval next week, according to PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil. The bill has been prioritised as an urgent policy, following discussions with the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry, with aims to expedite its legislative process. The bill includes a condition requiring Thai citizens to maintain…

  • Thailand News‘Black Bag Cop’ found dead in Thai prison, suspected suicide (video) | Thaiger

    ‘Black Bag Cop’ found dead in Thai prison, suspected suicide (video)

    Disgraced former Police Colonel Thitisak Uthanaphon, infamously known as “Director Joe,” or Joe Ferrari, has been found dead in his prison cell at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok. The 43 year old, who was serving a life sentence for the torture and killing of a drug suspect, reportedly took his own life – but suspicions linger over the circumstances…

  • Thailand NewsThai summer storm alert: 39 provinces brace for severe weather | Thaiger

    Thai summer storm alert: 39 provinces brace for severe weather

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has reported an impending summer storm affecting 39 provinces, with significant impact expected in the central and eastern regions, including Bangkok, where hail is forecast. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in northern, western northeastern, central, eastern, and upper southern Thailand. Residents are advised to exercise caution…